Sunday, December 23, 2007

Tyre


Tyre, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Freetown

For more information about my Freetown project check out the Freetown Set here

Friday, December 21, 2007

Shoe


Shoe, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Freetown

For more information about my Freetown project check out the Freetown Set here

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Bovril


Bovril, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Just at the end of Bridge Street opposite the Brickcroft pub is a small dead end street used for fly tipping. It's a real microcosm of contemporary life. I spent an hour or so photographing within a few square metres

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

FREETOWN


FREETOWN (NON HDR), originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Freetown is a locale which lies within the hinterland of the expanding town of Bury in Lancashire. Its origins lie in the "free" land which was situated between Church glebe land and the local landowner - the Derby Estate.

Freetown developed as Bury's sweatshop, providing the fragmentary services needed for the rapidly expanding paper and cotton mills around the town. It was a place of artisan craftsmen, and individual entrepreneurship. By the 1830's domestic houses were being built alongside the industrial structures. Street's were called after Pitt, Kay, Cobden and Bright and had strong political attachments. In 1846 a Parliamentary enquiry described Freetown as a filthy place and one of the worst areas of the country to live in.

Freetown is a still a chaotic mix of industry, leisure and commerce which has developed in a completely haphazard and organic way, no doubt encouraged by its status as being free from church and landed gentry control. This "in-betweeness" is all the more apparent by the eclectic nature of it's plan form, the layered tapestry of industrial architecture, and the temporary nature of some of the structures inhabited.

Today most visitors to Freetown would find it raw, dirty, full of shadows, and detritus. It survives, surprisingly, smack bang next to the ordered form of the expanding town centre. It survives, in spite of a society intent on political correctness - and in this respect it is still free. This is what I find remarkable, and dare I say it, refreshing about the place. Areas which look destitute, and survive within the penumbra of our economy, are fertile with real messages about our society and the vast difference between what is perceived and what actually IS.

Over the next few days I will post more images of Freetown

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Rochdale Town Hall Clock Tower


Rochdale Town Hall Clock Tower, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

The original clock tower was destroyed by fire - this tower is by Waterhouse and is an iconic site throughout the Rochdale Borough.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Town Hall Vertigo


Town Hall Vertigo, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Seriously, best viewed LARGE

The steps at Rochdale


The steps at Rochdale, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

The old worn steps leading down to Rochdale Town Centre veiled behind a wall of winter trees.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Bury Silhouette


Bury Silhouette, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Bury Parish Church from Chesham Local Nature Reserve

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Whoooaaa!


Whoooaaa!, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

This morning I managed to cadge a lift during the inspection of a roof on this 42m cherry picker - a little too windy for my liking!

Friday, November 23, 2007

Sunset over Walkers Field


Sunset over Walkers Field, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

It was a damp and dull day today, but I looked out the back window of the attic and saw that maybe the sun might fall below the canopy of cloud in the distance. So, I fixed the camera to the tripod, checked the iso and put the mirror on lock - up. 20 mins later hey presto!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Putting up the prints!


Putting up the prints!, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

I must be settling in to the new home - started putting up the prints :-)

pics are hereand here

Friday, November 16, 2007

Double Folly


Double Folly, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Graffiti on the folly built for Chesham House (now demolished) in the grounds of Chesham Woods, Bury

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Chesham LNR Miniplanet!


Chesham LNR Miniplanet!, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Open countryside, nature and wildlife for all....

Thursday, November 08, 2007

The bridge at Lower Lee Wood 3 of 3

Fine art rendition of the pathway over the bridge at Lower Lee Wood, Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury.

Map of Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury, Lancs

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Chesham House Wood 2 of 3


Chesham House Wood 2 of 3, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Fine art rendition of a beautiful spot in the woods during an early autumnal morning. Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury

Map of Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury, Lancs

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Chesham House Wood 1 of 3


Chesham House Wood 1 of 3, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Fine art rendition of Chesham House Wood in the Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury. I am fascinated by pathways and crossways and thus the emphasis in this and the other three photos

Map of Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury, Lancs

Monday, November 05, 2007

Lower Lee Wood


Lower Lee Wood, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

I was up with the birds this morning continuing my quest to record my locality. Lower Lee Wood is part of the Chesham Local Nature Reserve in Bury





Map of Chesham Local Nature Reserve, Bury, Lancs

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Tomato Incarnate


Tomato Incarnate, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Further to gathering in the last of the vegetables on our allotment we came across this little devil of a tomato. This is the real thing - no photoshoping! Perfect for that halloween salad lunch!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Harvest Festival


Harvest Festival, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

The sun is noticeably lower in the sky and the weeds have stopped growing. The wildflower garden is ready to seed and the last of the onions have finished 'airing' in the allotment shed. Leeks are coming into prominance and we've lifted a few for a tasty Italian Leek Risotto. Charlotte is busy clearing up the annuals around the gazebo.

Monday, October 22, 2007

On the map!


On the map!, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Having moved house, I went to Waterstone's in Manchester to get a map of the area and imagine my surprise in finding one of my photo's on the front of the map of my new area! (where the photo goes to doesn't get reported at the photo agency).


This photo is of the Burr's country park in Bury and if your close by it is well worth a visit

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Edgar Wood: the one that got away

There's always something left in the oven when your cooking for a dinner party. This is the one that I missed out for the exhibition.

Part of the Art Nouveau style gate entrance to the courtyard of Long Street Methodist Church (1901)

Monday, October 15, 2007

View from the attic window


View from the attic window, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

It's good to be back :-)

We finally moved to a new home and now we're back up on the internet which is a relief. So I can start to re-acquaint myself with old friends.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Edgar Wood: Durnford Street


Edgar Wood: Durnford Street, originally uploaded by fotofacade.


Along with Sellers, Wood provides us with an intimation of the Modern in Middleton near Manchester. For me this has intimations of the Wiener Werkstatte and the Palais Stoclet.

Despite it being listed most of the building was demolished recently (just the tower block remains)

See the full exhibition here

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Edgar Wood (architect) miniplanet


Between the 6th and 9th of September 2007 I held an exhibition on Edgar Wood in Middleton at Long Street Methodist Church. Here are the prints from the exhibition which are still available for purchase. All funds go to the Friends of Long Street Methodist Church. For cost and purchase information you can flickr mail me or contact me at enquiries@fotofacade.com.

“There is an individuality about Edgar Wood’s work that represents the unique spirit of Middleton.

His work is rooted in the history, the culture and the buildings of Middleton.

If you look closely at the images in this exhibition, you might notice a dialogue between Wood and the Middleton of his time. A dialogue, which includes form, pattern and decoration, absorbed through his association with other historic buildings such as Saint Leonard’s Parish Church and Hopwood Hall.

Middleton is suffering from an architectural “snow blindness”. This white-out is caused by the fact that we have so many unique and notable buildings.

Edgar Wood’s buildings alone mark out this proud old town as being a little different than others.

How many cities, notwithstanding towns, have the benefit of the unadulterated patronage of an architectural genius – and also reflect the full architectural development of such a genius?

Add to this the remarkable collection of significant other buildings scattered throughout the town, and we have something that can’t and won’t remain unnoticed forever.

It is important therefore for us, as custodians of our historic town, to ensure that Middleton’s importance is recognised beyond its borders, and that we look after our historic built heritage – down to the very last detail.

This exhibition is intended to further this cause, and also to bring attention to the threats and dangers, which are apparent to some of his buildings.

Long Street Methodist Church is one such building, and it needs your support to continue its future as a priceless part of Middleton’s built heritage.

Thanks to the Friends of Long Street Methodist Church for commissioning this work.

This exhibition is dedicated to my Mum and Dad. “

Saturday, September 08, 2007

woodyoubelieveit


woodyoubelieveit, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Allotment stories


Allotment stories, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Went up to the allotment after a stressful day this evening and just tinkered about, pruning here and gathering fruit there. Cleared out the pea patch ready for winter vegetables and gave the tomatoes and cucumbers a long hard drink. The onions are doing fine drying out in the shed.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Harvesting the onions


Harvesting the onions, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

I get so much enjoyment out of sketching and recording things. We got an allotment in April and now were able to reap the rewards. We harvested some of the onions over the weekend and strung them up in the shed (after doing this sketch)

Monday, August 06, 2007

North City Library Community Project

More images from the North City Library Community Project

Sunday, August 05, 2007

North City Library Community Project

I tried to introduce a bit of deliberate symbolism here. I get the impression that the building is infusing energy into the book shelf and subsequently the cultural outreach in an inner city area.

Yesterday, I was invited along to join in the fun at the North City Library Community Photography Project and it was great to mix with others and see how they interpreted the building. All the Manchester flickrites should check out the next event and try and get along to photograph this wonderful building which has helped regenerate the Harpurhey area - more about the future events at the 'I Love North City Library' pool.

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Saint Mary the Virgin, Bury, UK

South Chapel: GLASS SAFETY BOX with Early C21st PAT tested Torch by DURACELL and late C19th trefoil iron key

Friday, August 03, 2007

Saint Mary the Virgin, Bury, UK

The glory of the double hammer beam roof looking beyond Giles Gilbert Scott's iron screen towards the west end rose window.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Saint Mary the Virgin, Bury UK


Saint Mary the Virgin, Bury UK, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Chapel Screen by Giles Gilbert Scott (Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and K2 telephone box, Battersea Power Station)

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Door Detail, Bury Parish Church

Victorian iron work at its very best. Here on the vestry door at Saint Mary the Virgin Bury, Lancashire UK.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

We are not amused


We are not amused, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

By using a really low angle and a wide angle lens I tried to convey the strong presence of the statue of Queen Victoria in Derby Square, Liverpool. The city is full of remarkable architecture including plenty of sculptures and statues like this.

Looking forward to the 2008 year of culture.

.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Oriel Chambers, Liverpool


Oriel Chambers, Liverpool, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Not a great photograph - but a remarkable building. Oriel Chambers is reputed to be one of the first iron framed commercial buildings on the planet - built by Peter Ellis in 1864. In terms of it's style it is a pre-cursor of the modern movement. A must see building for archi buffs!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Memories of Maine Road


Memories of Maine Road, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

This image says it all to me about the end of football at Maine road. It is so symbolic with the deflated football lost and ragged on the barbed wire over the turnstiles

Maine Road, home of Manchester City Football Club was demolished in 2003/2004. For me (as a City Fan) the ground was a hallowed place - so over the last few days of its existence I spent some time taking my own impressions of the stadium.

Check out the full set here

.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Memories of Maine Road


Memories of Maine Road, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Check out the full set here

Maine Road, home of Manchester City Football Club was demolished in 2003/2004. For me (as a City Fan) the ground was a hallowed place - so over the last few days of its existence I spent some time taking my own impressions of the stadium.

Dormer, Burano, Venice, Italy


Dormer, Burano, Venice, Italy, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Burano is the most colourful place to visit. It is one of the smaller islands outside of Venice, famous for its lacemaking. The colours of the houses are kept the same and are subject to planning controls

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Our Allotment


Our Allotment, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

We got an allotment at Easter. It was a bare patch of earth. Charlotte worked at planting the vegetables and my little project is ahem, the architectural little bit in the middle....:-)

Things change so quickly down at the allotment. The peas have come on with all the wet weather, as have the courgettes (although the mice have had more of them than we have).

I can't explain how soul enhancing having a patch of earth to scratch around in is. It's wonderful



.

Monday, July 23, 2007

Isola di San Michele, Venice 3 of 4

Hey, I'm sure that I have put this pic up before, but I LOVE IT! It has a wonderful symbolism to it. Taken at the remarkable Isola di San Michele - it is the burial ground of Venetians. I took it with my Bronica ETRSi 645 medium format camera - which I miss sorely. I miss the mechanical clunk and geared feel of the film winder. I miss putting 645 film into the back on a windy day. I miss its bulk, weight and feel.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Liverpool Cathedrals


Liverpool Cathedrals, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

View of the Anglican Cathedral from the Catholic Cathedral Liverpool UK

Saturday, July 21, 2007

For King and Country


For King and Country, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Bronze statue of King George V overlooking Queensway entrance to the Mersey Tunnel Liverpool UK

Friday, July 20, 2007

The Georgian Doorways of Rodney Street

Remarkable it is that we have such an abundant survival of Georgian architecture in Liverpool. These doorways are beautiful examples which are situated on Rodney Street.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Vicenza Velo


Vicenza Velo, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

At first glimpse the raison d'etre of this image seems to be the idyllic and pastoral scene befitting of a red bicycle and an ancient wall. Look beyond that and you have a wonderful sequence and stratigraphy of surviving archaeology in the wall itself.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Zecca Mint, San Marco, Venice


Zecca Mint, San Marco, Venice, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

This beautiful building by Sansovino built in the local Istrian stone can, when contemplated from the ground, be read like a music sheet.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Gargoyle, Chichester Cathedral


Gargoyle, Chichester Cathedral, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Great to see a contemporary slant on this Gargoyle at Chichester Cathedral UK. It just goes to show that the organic tradition of cathedral building is alive and well and that the C20th is well represented!

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Pattern and Decoration in Architecture

Here is a medley of shots showing pattern and decoration in architecture. You can see it best large here.

I have compiled this for my latest photo tips article on Pattern and Decoration here

.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Pinnacle


Pinnacle, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

An ethereal shot of Manchester Cathedral UK

Yup, I did some post processing here - but I deliberately wanted to create an atmosphere.The cathedral was shrouded in fog and there was a strong backlighting from a street light. I was heavily influenced by the b&w film Nosferatu and this image fits the bill!

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Venezia


Venezia, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Sunrise on the Piazzetta San Marco Venice Italy

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Santa Maria della Salute


Santa Maria Salute, originally uploaded by fotofacade.

Built by Longhena in the early C17th as a votive church in thanks for Venice being spared from the plague. He deliberatly used these spiral motif's elevate the dome and give it a spinning fairground feel

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